This is not a how to guide for roof safety. Also, get onto your roof at your own risk; we can not and will not be held responsible for anyone falling off of their roof. Below are simply some basic guidelines which we follow ourselves.
If you were planning on getting onto your roof to make a home repair or install a gutter guard please feel free to contact us today.
Roof Safety:
A roof is an integral part of a home, and a homeowner will need to perform routine inspections from time to time to ensure there is not damage. Although it is best to contact a roofing professional if any major damages are present, such as water leaks, a homeowner can perform minor repairs on his or her own. A few missing asphalt shingles can be easily repaired by a homeowner, but a homeowner will need to take precautionary measures to ensure the roof is repaired safely.
When performing a routine inspection on a roof, it is best to use binoculars and try to stay on the ground if possible. However, there are times when a homeowner will need to get on his or her roof to see if any damage is present. If a homeowner has a tile roof, then he or she should not walk on the roof. Tile shingles can break and crack easily, so it is best to contact a roofing professional who knows how to walk on tile shingles.
Keep a Tidy Work Area
When a homeowner is planning on making minor roofing repairs on his or her own, then it is crucial to keep a clean work area. The work area should be free from clutter to avoid accidental falls. It is also important to keep the area free of pets and children, which can cause distraction. A homeowner should also be sure to inspect the area around the roof to see if there are any dangerous spots, which can include power lines. By keeping a safe work area, a homeowner is taking the necessary measures to repair the roof safely.
Practice Proper Safety at all Times
When a homeowner works on a roof, there is an increased risk of falling and becoming injured. Professional Roofing magazine reported that there are an estimated six roofers who die each month due to falls. There are ways a homeowner can ensure he or she will decrease the risk of a falling and being injured, which include:
• Always wear appropriate footwear, which include proper traction, when working on a roof.
• Be sure to wear a helmet, which will protect a homeowner’s head if a fall occurs.
• Never work in an area that is cluttered.
• If the roof is wet, then refrain from making repairs until it is dry.
• Use a harness and net if the roof has a steep slope.
If there are power lines present, it may be best to consult a professional roofing expert due to the risk of electrical shock. A homeowner can also contact his or her electric company to come inspect the wires to be sure they are properly insulated.
If there is a water leak, there is also an increased risk of electrical shock. When a water leak is present on a roof, an electrical shock could occur if wires in an attic come in contact with water. It is also crucial to remember that flashing, which are strips of metal materials that prevent leaking, should never come in contact with electrical wires. When water leaks are present on a roof, there is also an increased risk of a fire. If there is a water leak present, then it may be best to have a roofing expert inspect the area before a homeowner tries to make repairs on his or her own.
Always use Safety Equipment and Proper Tools
A homeowner should be familiar with how to safely use any tools that may be needed when repairing a roof, which can include chisels, air compressors, hacksaws, electric drills, nail guns, and more. When these tools are not used properly, then a homeowner is at an increased risk of becoming injured. Safety equipment is also important when repairing a roof. The right safety equipment can lower the risk of injury when worn properly. If a homeowner is repairing his or her roof, then he or she may want to invest in some of the following items:
- Rope
- Safety goggles
- Guardrails
- Safety harness
- Work gloves
- Roof anchors
- Ladder stabilizer
By investing in the right safety equipment and using tools properly, the risk of injury will decrease substantially.
Other Factors to Consider
There are also other factors to consider before a homeowner repairs his or her roof. If the weather is excessively hot or cold, then roof work should be avoided. If a homeowner tries to repair his or her roof in extreme weather conditions, then asphalt shingles could be damaged during the process.
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